Microsoft: Starting End of October You Can Modify 7.0 Apps Post Mango

September 26, 2011No Comments

Microsoft caused quite a stir a few weeks back when they announced thatÂ developers couldn’t modify their 7.0 app after they updated it to Mango. Now, Microsoft plays a different tune as they not only announce that in October you will be allowed to get back into that 7.0 version and change it – they are giving out a small overlay for screenshots to indicate the difference. Here is most of the letter that Microsoft is sending out to developers.

“Last month we noted that once you publish the 7.5 version of your application, you will no longer be able to modify the existing 7.0 version. We also acknowledged that some you might find this limiting, as several of you have since confirmed.

We heard you, and are happy to report today that by the end of October we will enable functionality in App Hub that will allow you to publish updates to both the 7.0 and 7.5 versions of your apps. Knowing that on average people update their apps every three to four months, this October time frame provide assurance that you that you can submit 7.5 apps today and still have access to your 7.0 app well before the next update is required. There’s no need to wait!

Again, I also recommended that you identify the Windows Phone 7.5 functionally of your app in both your app description and (if needed) in the screenshots. To make this easier for you and your customers, we have designed and are making available today screenshots and overlay graphics that you can add to your own screenshots to identify your app as optimized for Windows Phone 7.5 (examples below). These are the only screenshot text overlays that will pass certification. These new standard artwork resources are now available hereÂ and will be accessible via App Hub shortly.”

It is good to see Microsoft listening to Windows Phone users and developers alike. Hopefully the new functionality will be as easy to use as it sounds.